SEAI deliver fully funded energy upgrades to homeowners who receive the following welfare payments:
- Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme.
- Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age
- Working Family Payment
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Carers Allowance and live with the person you are caring for
- Disability Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age
If you are in receipt of any of the above welfare entitlements, you can now check your eligibility for the scheme using our new online application feature. Applicants can still apply using the paper-based application pathway. You should refer to SEAI's privacy notices prior to making your online application.
Waiting times
It is important to be aware that it may take more than a 2-year waiting time before your home is completed. Applications are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. The following are the current approximate wait times for each stage of the application process.
- Pre-works BER* - Up to 12 months from application
- Survey - Approx 14 months from application
- Works Completed - Approx. 24 - 26 months from application
- Post works BER/Inspection - Approx. 2-3 months after works completed.
*All homes participating on the programme must have a BER in place. If you do not have a valid BER in place, SEAI will carry one out for you in advance of works taking place. This may impact waiting times for applicants.
Funding
SEAI's Fully Funded Energy Upgrades are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western and Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programmes 2021-27.
How the service works
- Read through the guidance notes. If you think this may apply to you, make an online application.
- If you do not have a valid BER in place, SEAI will carry out a pre-works BER at no cost to you
- If you are eligible, an SEAI surveyor surveys your home to make upgrade recommendations
- A contractor is appointed from SEAI's panel to carry out the upgrade works
- After the works are completed our energy assessment team will carry out a BER assessment. There may also be quality inspections on some homes
Upgrades offered
An SEAI surveyor will recommend upgrades that are suitable for your property. These will be based on factors such as its age, size, existing heating system and condition. The measures recommended are decided at the time of survey and validated by your appointed contractor and recommended in line with Scheme Rules in place. Upgrades offered under the scheme may include:
- Attic insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- External wall insulation
- Internal wall insulation
- Secondary work such as lagging jackets, draught proofing and energy efficient lighting
- New heating systems and windows are occasionally recommended
Who can apply
You need to meet these 3 criteria to apply for the Fully Funded Energy Upgrade Scheme.
Criteria | Description |
1. You must own and live in your own home | This must be your main residence, where you live most days of the week |
2. Your home was built and occupied before 2006 | This means the ESB meter was connected, and property lived in prior to 2006 |
3. You receive one of the following welfare payments |
|
How to apply
- Read the Scheme and Application Guidelines
- Complete the Application Form and, if relevant, the Carers Allowance Confirmation Form
- Have the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) complete the relevant section of the application form
- Submit your application by post to;
Fully Funded Energy Upgrades
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
PO BOX 119
Cahirciveen
Co. Kerry
For more information visit: www.seai.ie
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